TESTIMONIALS AND QUOTES

Why should you as a teacher participate in this project? There are a few reasons why I think you should, as a teacher, try to find a way to participate. One reason is that we should be doing everything we can to excite and inspire our students within the field of science. It is a fantastic chance for your students to see how awesome science can be by talking with or interacting with practicing scientists. A second reason is that can give your students the chance to hopefully see someone like them doing science. You may have a child in your room who has an interest in science but is discouraged because they have never seen anyone like them doing science. A third reason is that it is just plain fun. Students look forward to the Skype talks and will take greater pride in the work they do when they are working with a practicing scientist. Lastly, it is a great way for you the teacher to increase your science knowledge and make some new friends. It really has been a fantastic opportunity for me that has opened up other avenues and options for me professionally.

Why should you as a scientist participate in this project? Well, I will let some of your colleagues explain why they worked with my kids in their own words below.

Dr Amanda Glaze - "There is nothing more rewarding to me than donating my time to connect with students and teachers in the classroom, what better way to make sure that kids find interest and welcome in the sciences than to make your voice the one inviting them! Teachers like Patrick are going above and beyond to ensure that their students are not just learning about science, they are being scientists in their own right. Nothing makes me happier than to be a part of something so meaningful, not just to them, but to me and to the future of my field."

Kirsty Nash - Such a rewarding experience to guide excited students through a science project. I have been constantly amazed by the range of topics they are interested in and their enthusiasm, and I have enjoyed reviewing the fundamentals of running an experiment with them. It is a really fun way to start my working week answering their emails on a Monday morning – it has generated enthusiasm for my own research!

Dr Layla Katiraee - "We scientists have the moral obligation of helping educate others when the opportunity presents itself. Patrick put that opportunity in front of me. His class was attentive, polite, and asked fantastic questions, and I got to talk for an hour about the things that interest me and bring me joy."

Dr Stephanie Januchowski-Hartley - In addition to the excellent experience working with students to develop their science fair projects, the Sci-Stu Partnership project has been invaluable in offering students the opportunity to develop their communication skills and to relay their ideas about science in concise and professional emails. Developing these communication skills will be invaluable to students as they continue in their education and career development. I wish I would have had access to such experiences when I was in Middle SchooL! I have no doubt that the scientist-student partnerships have helped both students and scientists to develop their communication strategy and refine how they communicate their ideas and interests to others. It has been an exceptionally rewarding experience!

Ann Gallagher - It is enjoyable to be able to see what 13 year olds think, how they imagine a project, and then start designing something of their very own. From my point of view their questions and concerns are important. They transition from being a science learner to being an investigator - designing an experiment. That mental outlook change is huge and needs to be walked through with someone. I find their needs to be appropriate and not bothersome or in need of streamlining.

Dr Jessica Ball - Working with Patrick's students has been one of the highlights of my year. It's been great to see them develop their projects and really dig into the why's and how's of science, and I've very much enjoyed the way their questions have grown more complex and confident as they get further into their research. Fostering a love of science has to begin with young students, and I'm a firm believer in introducing them to as much of the scientific process as possible - the successes and the pitfalls - as early as possible.

And from the students as to why you as a teacher and/or scientist should sign up to work on this project.

Matthew Goodrich - Who would have thought they would have time to talk to me, an 8th grader? That was awesome I was able to talk with Dr. Michelle LaRue.

Grace Goff - I thought it was great. It showed me that anyone can be a scientist and that I can let the science follow my interests. Working with Dr. Samantha Oester was absolutely an awesome experience.

Emma J - Having a science fair mentor has really helped me with my project. My mentor is Dr. Oester from George Mason University. She has challenged me to think through my project and make it the best it can be. I have completed science fair projects in the past, but I feel this one will be the best one yet. Dr. Oester asks me questions and makes me think through the science behind my project. I feel that every student should have the chance to have a science fair mentor because they help you understand more about your project and ultimately that makes your project better.

Anna A - Having a mentor to advise me through my project was a great experience. Dr. Oester helped me take my original idea and form it into a much more complex and scientific experiment. She pushed me to take steps that I would not have taken without her guidance. She answered every question I had with detail, which allowed me to expand my understanding of the scientific process and what scientists actually have to do. I would always look forward to getting her emails. This is my fifth Science Fair experiment, and I have learned more with Dr. Oester than I have in all of my four previous Science Fairs. It has been a phenomenal experience to work with Dr. Oester, and I have loved every bit of it.